Things that give me great joy

I love that Gisleni, who's in my prof pic and has a serious speech impediment, knows how to say my name now. I love that one of my Pasos Adelante kids, Steven, knows how to bake chocolate chip cookies on his own now because I've made them so many times with his mom at their house. I love bike riding through the farms of mango trees and platanos and getting all muddy. I love that my house visits/my work with the health promoter, Yuvicsa, always end up in us talking with the family for hours laughing our heads off at the stupidest shit. I love that kids pack into my room and we watch movies until we're all passed out. I love that when the power goes out, the town nurse and I lay a blanket out front of the health post and look for shooting stars with her son, Arian. I love the bike ride to the next little village down the road to get internet because Keren, my 10 year old neighbor, rides on the bike with me in front, or going with Helson, her brother, 'cause we always end up racing. I love that Bianca and her baby sister, Fernanda, know how to turn on my iPod and speakers so we can dance. I love that whenever I come home, Bianca comes running to the car and grabs my bags even if they're too heavy for her - she tries, and she's so damn cute for it. I love sitting in the hammock and reading my neuroscience or biology books, knowing I'm preparing well for the next step in my life. I love walking around my town 'cause it may be small with a whopping 600 people, but there's an always adventure around every corner.

There are moments you realize you're doing the right thing in life and you're exactly where you're supposed to be. I'm growing up and going through a lot of tough realizations out here but I am so, so undeniably happy and fulfilled that I am truly learning to be a part of something bigger. We all gotta remember how small we are and accept the way the world is. Just keep rolling with the punches.